Condoms and HIV Prevention

This section contains information on condoms’ effectiveness at preventing HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel: Male Latex Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Source: Department of Health and Human Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Description: This fact sheet presents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s key messages on the effectiveness of condoms in preventing STDs.

Key Statistics:

  • When used consistently and effectively, condoms are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

To View this Resource click here: http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm

Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention

Source: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Description: Published in 2001, this report presents the findings of a workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of latex male condoms in preventing STDs, including HIV. The effort was led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Key Statistics:

  • Beyond mutual lifelong monogamy among uninfected couples, condom-use is the only method for reducing the risk of HIV infection available to sexually active individuals.

To View this Resource click here: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/PDF/condomReport.pdf

A Longitudinal Study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Heterosexual Partners

Source: I. De Vincenzi, “A Longitudinal Study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Heterosexual Partners,” The New England Journal of Medicine 331.6 (August 1994).

Description: This article contains the results of study of 20-month study of heterosexual couples in which one partner was HIV-positive and the other was HIV-negative. (These couples are referred to as sero-discordant).

Key Statistics:

  • No sero-conversion occurred among the 124 couples who used latex condoms consistently and correctly for vaginal or anal intercourse.
  • 10% of the HIV-negative partners (12 of 121) of couples became infected when condoms were used inconsistently for vaginal or anal intercourse.
  • 15% of HIV-negative partners became infected when condoms were not used.

To View this Resource click here: www.content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/331/6/341

 

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